“Earn up to 500 million won a year”—even a 55-year-old passes... What is this “high-income profession”?

[Financial News] Interest is growing in harbor pilots, whose average annual salary exceeds 100 million won and who can earn up to 500 million won a year, depending on the port where they work. This year’s pilot trainee selection exam also produced a successful candidate aged 55.
According to the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries on the 11th, a total of 13 candidates passed this year’s pilot trainee selection exam.
This year’s successful candidates had an average age of 46. The youngest was 35, and the oldest was 55.
To take the pilot trainee exam, applicants must have at least three years’ experience as a captain on a vessel of 6,000 tons or more. This year, 166 people applied, for a competition ratio of about 13 to 1.
The successful candidates will receive practical training at their respective ports over the next six months, boarding vessels at least 200 times. Afterward, they can work as fully qualified harbor pilots if they pass the 2027 pilot exam and obtain a license.
Harbor pilots are maritime professionals who board large vessels entering and leaving ports to help ensure their safe arrival and departure. They assist with vessel movements while taking into account complex routes, currents and water depths. The job requires a high level of expertise and experience, as pilots are responsible for the safety of ships and cargo worth hundreds of billions of won.
As of last month, there were 252 harbor pilots working at ports across the country.
The average annual salary of harbor pilots in South Korea is reported to be about 120 million won. Earnings vary depending on the port where they work, and there are reportedly cases of pilots earning up to around 500 million won a year.


[email protected] Han Seung-gon Reporter